Surviving Dreams

Andrew Esiebo/Twenty Ten

A feature from the Soccer World Cup 2010: Nigeria

Location: Nigeria

With a population of 148 million, Nigeria is not only the largest country in sub-Saharan African but it may well be the most soccer mad. Any open space, be it an empty ground under a flyover, a beach or a market, can be found transformed into a makeshift football pitch; its player dreaming of becoming Nigeria’s soccer stars. ‘Surviving Dreams’ is the story of coach/evangelist Sunny Omini, an ex-football star who promising career was cut short by injuries. He later went into coaching but quit suddenly to become a Christian missionary. Years later he returned to the game, setting up the Signal Meteor Football Academy, a grassroots training academy for young men in danger of social exclusion. Today, he works with around 30 young men on what he calls a ‘church on the field’, helping them to build a brighter future through soccer.

With a population of 148 million, Nigeria is not only the largest country in sub-Saharan African but it may well be the most soccer mad. Any open space, be it an empty ground under a flyover, a beach or a market, can be found transformed into a makeshift football pitch; its player dreaming of becoming NigeriaÃÂ¢Ãâ¬Ãâ¢s soccer stars.ÃÂ¢Ãâ¬ÃËSurviving DreamsÃÂ¢Ãâ¬Ãâ¢ is the story of coach/evangelist Sunny Omini, an ex-football star who promising career was cut short by injuries. He later went into coaching but quit suddenly to become a Christian missionary. Years later he returned to the game, setting up the Signal Meteor Football Academy, a grassroots training academy for young men in danger of social exclusion. Today, he works with around 30 young men on what he calls a ÃÂ¢Ãâ¬ÃËchurch on the fieldÃÂ¢Ãâ¬Ãâ¢, helping them to build a brighter future through soccer.

My father deployment to several parts of the country hindered the progress of my studies because he was always changing schools and repeating classes any time he father. . (Sunny assisting his son to the shower).

After my studies I got enlisted into Nigerian Navy playing football all through not until I met late Chief MKO Abiola, a Nigerian business mogul who talked me out of the Force in joining his club Abiola Babes FC because he saw I was very promising young footballer. . (Some of the boys waiting to be put in a match during trainings.)

The late 1970sÃÂ¢Ãâ¬Ãâ¢ were the peak periods of my soccer career that I got invited to the Nigerian National football team camp in 1978. . (One of the of Signal Meteor Football player getting warmed up for a match)

1983, I began coaching by handling clubs like Jamb FC, Textlon FC , Panalpina FC and Jasper FC. . I had a successful coaching experience producing good result for clubs handled and a couple of Nigerian International footballers.. (Sunny watching his boys during a friendly match)

In 1992 I got a divine call to work in the vineyard of God (Christian Missions) and having taken stock of my efforts or contributions as a player and coach I realised there was almost no reward for all these input in the game. As such, quitting became a thought to him.1994, I began dedicating all my time to work in the Christian Mission.. (Coach sunny meditating at the Military Church where he is still works as the Church evangelist).

I had tremendous time for seven years enjoying being a worker of God without bothering about materials things or money, as they did not matter to me.(Sunny leading praise and worships session during the church Sunday service)

2004, a prophecy came to me through a minister of God in my church to return to soccer. Almost immediately I got coaching job with Jasper FC till 2006 when another revelation came to set up an academy (Signal Meteor Football Academy) he is running till today.

With a population of 148 million, Nigeria is not only the largest country in sub-Saharan African but it may well be the most soccer mad. Any open space, be it an empty ground under a flyover, a beach or a market, can be found transformed into a makeshift football pitch; its player dreaming of becoming NigeriaÃÂ¢Ãâ¬Ãâ¢s soccer stars.

I feels happy that the boys are measuring up very well even it has not been easy gathering this boys; as they lack every amenities and training equipments but I have stuck my neck to encourage the boys I out of the streets, hooliganism, touting, criminality through the game. (The goal keep knotting torn next of his goal post during a friendly march)

We also trying to provide vocational training for those who cannot cope to study and support for those who want to engage in academic studies but can not afford it. This effort is to keep them busy on and off the field.

I am working on a very limited means yet I am determine to hold the official lunch of the academy with will give the boys a platform to project their soccer career and prepare them as future leaders.(Jubilation youth team after capturing the Glory Cup, a grassroots tournament meant to discover soccer young talents)

With a population of 148 million, Nigeria is not only the largest country in sub-Saharan African but it may well be the most soccer mad. Any open space, be it an empty ground under a flyover, a beach or a market, can be found transformed into a makeshift football pitch; its player dreaming of becoming NigeriaÃÂ¢Ãâ¬Ãâ¢s soccer stars.ÃÂ¢Ãâ¬ÃËSurviving DreamsÃÂ¢Ãâ¬Ãâ¢ is the story of coach/evangelist Sunny Omini, an ex-football star who promising career was cut short by injuries. He later went into coaching but quit suddenly to become a Christian missionary. Years later he returned to the game, setting up the Signal Meteor Football Academy, a grassroots training academy for young men in danger of social exclusion. Today, he works with around 30 young men on what he calls a ÃÂ¢Ãâ¬ÃËchurch on the fieldÃÂ¢Ãâ¬Ãâ¢, helping them to build a brighter future through soccer.

It was a very tough, unbelievable situation me that the team I was playing when I got injured left me helpless. It is common in Nigeria today that those actively playing game are left to their fate in case of problem. If a person is playing for a nation or club encounters difficulties the country or team should to rally around and ensure the person gets to his fit.